While the Democratic party continues to fail to meet even the lowest bar set by Progressives, it appears that the runoff from one of the two main parties in the U.S. may be headed straight for the Democratic Socialists of America.

Democratic Socialism, the technical political belief that Senator Bernie Sanders subscribes to, has seen their membership triple in the last year to close to 20,000 card-carrying, dues-paying members.

And though many on the right may be terrified, DSA understands completely why they are growing: young people & Bernie.

Increasingly, much to the terror of the far right, “socialism,” is no longer considered the horrific word it once was to millinnials, expecially those who heard the term used to describe Bernie Sanders during the 2016 primary.

Young America’s tame view of socialism is due, in part, to a more true understanding of the meaning of the word, as well as the more moderate stance of Democratic Socialists. This is especially true in regards to Democratic Socialism because it is much different – and far less radical – than outright socialism.

On the basic level, as the DSA explains on their website, Democratic Socialists do not want the government to “own the means of production.” Instead, the DSA actively fights against capitalistic overreach, pushing back against mammoth corporations and their deep involvement with government. The DSA asks that government step in when corporations have gone too far, in order to protect consumers and keep things fair.

Democratic Socialists favor a sharing of ownership over consumer-good industries. Your local coop is a good example of Democratic Socialism in practice.

But to Republicans like Stuart Varney, Democratic Socialists are just good, old-fashioned commies. The worst nightmare for the right would be for young Bernie-backing Democrats to continue calling themselves Democratic Socialists.

Fortunately for the Democratic party, Democratic Socialists do not consider themselves wholly apart from the Democratic party. Much like how Senator Sanders ran as a Democrat in the primary, members of the DSA continue to work for and contribute toward the Democratic party, working to spread their goals from within.

If the Democratic party is willing to make room, the addition of Democratic Socialists appear to be only a net good for the floundering political party.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter
@SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com